It is far too early to render any sort of considered verdict on the economic events of 2010. Judgments about what was economic progress and what was loss, which decisions were prudent and which were foolish will depend on how…
Culture plays unappreciated role in economies
Economists prefer to ignore the influence of culture on the economic performance of nations. It is hard to model mathematically. But most people who study economic history know just how important culture is, even if unquantifiable. And so, while reading…
Fed may be trying to tamp down long-term ra
The Federal Reserve has been buying some $600 billion in government bonds and paying for them with newly created money. Whether it should continue to do so is a key economic issue of the past two months. Opinions are sharply…
The economy will beat the blizzard
Last weekend’s winter storm made national news, especially after the Metrodome roof collapsed under 17 inches of snow, causing the Minnesota Vikings’ ‘home’ game to be moved to Detroit. But how much did the storm affect the economy? What economists…